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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR What is APRS? APRS = Automatic Packet Reporting System APRS = Automatic Packet Reporting System APRS was developed in the early 1990's for local tactical digital communications, situational awareness and TWO- WAY information exchange using Amateur radio. APRS was developed in the early 1990's for local tactical digital communications, situational awareness and TWO- WAY information exchange using Amateur radio. Not just Vehicle Tracking! Not just Vehicle Tracking!

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR What is APRS all about? Immediate local digital and graphical information exchange between all participants in a local area or event. This includes: Immediate local digital and graphical information exchange between all participants in a local area or event. This includes: Positions of all stations and objects Positions of all stations and objects Status of all stations Status of all stations Messages, Bulletins and Announcements Messages, Bulletins and Announcements Weather data and telemetry Weather data and telemetry DF bearings and signal strengths for quick transmitter hunting DF bearings and signal strengths for quick transmitter hunting RF Connectivity plots of all stations RF Connectivity plots of all stations Local OBJECTS on a common map display for all users Local OBJECTS on a common map display for all users Local Freqs, Nets, Meetings Local Freqs, Nets, Meetings Typical applications are: Typical applications are: Routine local awareness of all ham radio events and assets around you Routine local awareness of all ham radio events and assets around you Marathons, races, events and public service Marathons, races, events and public service Search and rescue Search and rescue Family communications and tracking and one-line emails Family communications and tracking and one-line emails Mobile-to-mobile global messaging Mobile-to-mobile global messaging Weather data exchange and display Weather data exchange and display Efficient multi-user Satellite communications Efficient multi-user Satellite communications

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR Scope of APRS APRS consists of a very large land based wireless network. Almost 30,000 users around the world. APRS consists of a very large land based wireless network. Almost 30,000 users around the world. This network works via RELAYS every 20-30 miles called “digipeaters.” And Globally via IGates to the internet. This network works via RELAYS every 20-30 miles called “digipeaters.” And Globally via IGates to the internet. APRS is also used via some of the Amateur Satellites. APRS is also used via some of the Amateur Satellites. It is also used to monitor telemetry values of weather stations for the National Weather Service (NWS) It is also used to monitor telemetry values of weather stations for the National Weather Service (NWS) APRS has the capability to quickly relay telemetry values to research centers without the Internet. APRS has the capability to quickly relay telemetry values to research centers without the Internet. But, only 2% of local situation… (a side show)…

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR APRS MisConceptions! That APRS is just Vehicle Tracking instead of a Real-Time Information Distribution System. That APRS is just Vehicle Tracking instead of a Real-Time Information Distribution System. That APRS is dependent on GPS for its value (GPS is not needed. See Objects). That APRS is dependent on GPS for its value (GPS is not needed. See Objects). Failure to use the APRS built-in Mile-Marks for tracking all other non-APRS mobiles. Failure to use the APRS built-in Mile-Marks for tracking all other non-APRS mobiles. Using APRS clients that only do maps and ignored too many of the APRS fundamentals. Using APRS clients that only do maps and ignored too many of the APRS fundamentals. Ignored the fundamental Decay Algorithm to accelerate new data, and decay old data! Ignored the fundamental Decay Algorithm to accelerate new data, and decay old data! Failure to understand the importance of OBJECTS:. See Objects 101 and Operations Failure to understand the importance of OBJECTS:. See Objects 101 and Operations Failure to use real-time messaging:. See Messages 101 and Message Operations Failure to use real-time messaging:. See Messages 101 and Message Operations Failure to implement the original APRS Centralized Common Bulletin Board concept. Failure to implement the original APRS Centralized Common Bulletin Board concept. Not understanding the APRS operator’s role as a Data Input (Objects, Bulletins and Messages) Not understanding the APRS operator’s role as a Data Input (Objects, Bulletins and Messages) Not using the D7 and D700 as data entry and clipboard display units at field events. Not using the D7 and D700 as data entry and clipboard display units at field events. Too much focus on Large Screen Displays –vs- Individual Operator displays for events. Too much focus on Large Screen Displays –vs- Individual Operator displays for events. Failure to display APRS symbols with all their attributes and colors without clicking them Failure to display APRS symbols with all their attributes and colors without clicking them Failure to manage the network by adjusting the local digipeater for the situation at hand. Failure to manage the network by adjusting the local digipeater for the situation at hand. Not realizing the importance of Voice Operating frequencies in APRS. Not realizing the importance of Voice Operating frequencies in APRS. See APRS-tactical.html

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR APRS, maps and events That APRS is dependent on GPS for its value That APRS is dependent on GPS for its value (GPS is not required to put things on maps). (GPS is not required to put things on maps).

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR APRS missing Opportunities! APRStt (APRS touchtone decoding) APRStt (APRS touchtone decoding) Simple DTMF memory- One button reports Position, Frequency and Status! Simple DTMF memory- One button reports Position, Frequency and Status! On every voice repeater On every voice repeater On every IRLP node On every IRLP node On every Echolink node On every Echolink node Any where on.52!! Any where on.52!! ONLY NEEDS local software upgrade! ONLY NEEDS local software upgrade! AVRS (Automatic Voice Relay System) Global VOIP via APRS AVRS (Automatic Voice Relay System) Global VOIP via APRS Uses APRS message to set up call Uses APRS message to set up call Automatically links to Echolink or IRLP Automatically links to Echolink or IRLP Radio auto-QSY’s to make link (Ham Radio Cell phone from Mobile) Radio auto-QSY’s to make link (Ham Radio Cell phone from Mobile) See APRS-tactical.html

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR Simple DTMF memory - One button puts you in APRS ( Position, Frequency and Status )! Simple DTMF memory - One button puts you in APRS ( Position, Frequency and Status )! DTMF on voice freq translated to packet on APRS channel (or direct to APRS-IS) DTMF on voice freq translated to packet on APRS channel (or direct to APRS-IS) Position is 10 mile ambiguity using repeater posit ( or 60 mile ambiguity out west ) Position is 10 mile ambiguity using repeater posit ( or 60 mile ambiguity out west ) Frequency in packet is Frequency of Repeater Frequency in packet is Frequency of Repeater If Echolink or IRLP, APRS packet includes node number! If Echolink or IRLP, APRS packet includes node number! APRStt (Touchtone) See aprstt.html

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR For WB4APR, the DTMF Sends: #For WB4APR, the DTMF Sends: #A922444427A77D This is converted to an APRS packet on the APRS channel as:This is converted to an APRS packet on the APRS channel as: WB4APR-11>APRStt,WIDE1-1:!DDM_.__N/DDDM_.__W$146.895MHz T107 IRLP7070 Puts you on global map near Baltimore Maryland, with your immediate calling frequency, your Tone and your IRLP node number. That is everything you need to be known to the Global APRS system! That is everything you need to be known to the Global APRS system! We have had this since 2001 (in DOS w DTMF chip). We have had this since 2001 (in DOS w DTMF chip). We need someone to do this with a sound card in windows? We need someone to do this with a sound card in windows? Build into every Echolink/IRLP node and every Repeater controller with a serial port! Build into every Echolink/IRLP node and every Repeater controller with a serial port! Unless we get APRStt and therefore 100% situational awareness of any Ham mobile or HT then APRS will always be a side show only used by 10% of any club or organization. Unless we get APRStt and therefore 100% situational awareness of any Ham mobile or HT then APRS will always be a side show only used by 10% of any club or organization. APRStt (Touchtone) See aprstt.html How about: #B95*234*2D => Milemark #234 on Route 95, northbound

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR DTMF Report shows on APRS! DTMF Report shows on APRS! CALLSIGN with date and time CALLSIGN with date and time Position in vicinity of repeater or APRStt entry point Position in vicinity of repeater or APRStt entry point Voice Operating Frequency, Tone and other info Voice Operating Frequency, Tone and other info Node number if Echolink or IRLP, or reverse patch number if Repeater Node number if Echolink or IRLP, or reverse patch number if Repeater APRStt (Touchtone) See aprstt.html 147.105MHz T107 R30m

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR APRStt (Touchtone) See aprstt.html As simple as adding a DTMF chip to a Micro-Trak Or adding a DTMF chip to an OT and HT for use in the field at a special event

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR APRStt (Touchtone) See aprstt.html For events, put one on each operating frequency and set posits along unused edge of map. See who is operating where, on what frequency and when

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR APRStt (Touchtone) See aprstt.html For big events, put one at each checkpoint or venue. See who is operating where, on what frequency and when

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR TRACKERS (two-way) Trackers have no APRS data display. So the receiver should be tuned to a beaconed Voice frequency so the operator can be involved in the Net! One-way trackers are good for non-manned assets at large movement events.. Not as the only APRS asset for a ham. Trackers should be his 3 rd,4 th,5 th etc tools for APRS support… One-way APRS is not normally recommended. APRS is a Network. We want good communications among all participants for maximum utility.

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR Alinco DR-135T/EJ-41U Allows direct input from any standard GPS. Allows direct input from any standard GPS. Basic 1200/9600 bps TNC Basic 1200/9600 bps TNC Basic 2 M Radio with optional TNC. Basic 2 M Radio with optional TNC. (Opentrack makes a drop in tracker module) (Opentrack makes a drop in tracker module) equires a PC to set it up, and there is no APRS display directly on the radio. Unlike the Kenwood radios, it requires a PC to set it up, and there is no APRS display directly on the radio.

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR APRS Voice Alert! * Voice Alert is effectively 3 rd Radio channel for the D7 and D700 APRS radios Voice Alert is effectively 3 rd Radio channel for the D7 and D700 APRS radios By setting the APRS Band, A, to PL-100, By setting the APRS Band, A, to PL-100, but keeping the volume turned up: You wont hear any packets on 144.39 * You wont hear any packets on 144.39 * But you will hear a voice call using PL-100 on 144.39 But you will hear a voice call using PL-100 on 144.39 And you will hear* an occasional Ping packet if another D700 comes in line-of-site to you, like a proximity radar alerting you to local presence. And you will hear* an occasional Ping packet if another D700 comes in line-of-site to you, like a proximity radar alerting you to local presence. Great for long haul traveling and meeting other APRS users. Great for long haul traveling and meeting other APRS users. (For all mobiles!)

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The New-N Paradigm 2005  APRS Generic Paths evolved over 13 years and the presence of many old legacy formats and procedures were really bogging down the network making it saturated and unreliable in busy areas.  In 2005 all old paths were declared obsolete (RELAY & WIDE) and the entire APRS system in the US was then focused only on the WIDEn-N type of generic paths with small values of N.  A WIDEn-N path goes N hops outward in all directions.  N=2 in most areas colored on next slide Factor of 3 to 5 improvement!

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR APRS IGates (Global APRS!) An IGATE is a local APRS station that utilizes the APRS-Internet network to pass all packets heard on their local RF back to the Internet. (Gives global views to local activity. An IGATE is a local APRS station that utilizes the APRS-Internet network to pass all packets heard on their local RF back to the Internet. (Gives global views to local activity. Also act as two-way gateways for ALL APRS MESSAGES worldwide (Internet  RF). Also act as two-way gateways for ALL APRS MESSAGES worldwide (Internet  RF).

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR Into Space..PCSAT The Prototype Communications Satellite, is a US Naval Academy Aerospace student project. The Prototype Communications Satellite, is a US Naval Academy Aerospace student project. APRS space frequency is published as 145.825 APRS space frequency is published as 145.825 ANDE and RAFT in Dec 2006

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR PCSAT Satellite Launched Sept 2001 from Kodiak Alaska Launched Sept 2001 from Kodiak Alaska The first APRS satellite, and has since been joined by 5 other such satellites The first APRS satellite, and has since been joined by 5 other such satellites It still works during mid- day sunny passes. It still works during mid- day sunny passes. See live downlink on http://pcsat.aprs.org Can capture Emergency /Priority messages from THD7 / D700 radios anywhere on the globe and retransmit these signals on the USA VHF 144.39 APRS frequency. Can capture Emergency /Priority messages from THD7 / D700 radios anywhere on the globe and retransmit these signals on the USA VHF 144.39 APRS frequency.

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR International Space Station ARISS supports APRS on 145.825 too! ARISS supports APRS on 145.825 too! Use digipeater path VIA ARISS. Use digipeater path VIA ARISS. PCSAT2 was also on ISS 2005-2006 PCSAT2 was also on ISS 2005-2006 See live downlink on www.ariss.net PCSAT2, was the second APRS digipeater satellite.

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR Now GO-32 TECHSAT-1b GO-32 now supports APRS on its 435.225/145.85 packet system. GO-32 now supports APRS on its 435.225/145.85 packet system. APRS up on 145.85 (PC’s and messages) APRS up on 145.85 (PC’s and messages) Mic-E up on 145.93 (D7 and D700’s) Mic-E up on 145.93 (D7 and D700’s) See live downlink on www.ariss.net 9600 Baud!

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR GO32 -EZ - MOBILE Satellite Prediction and Tracking No computer needed No computer needed Two or more solid TX/RX passes every day Two or more solid TX/RX passes every day Two additional TX passes 100m before and after! Two additional TX passes 100m before and after! Fri 26 Oct is day8

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APRS is a registered trademark Bob Bruninga, WB4APR Tracking ECHO (AO51) too! No computer needed No computer needed Two or more solid passes every day Two or more solid passes every day Friday October 26 th is day 4!